Middle
ground, discovered and conquered. Although it remains to be seen if we
plant a flag and set up camp or move onto more familiar territory. Andre
Villas-Boas, with new hair cut and new formation. On paper, a more
traditional 442 with both Defoe and Adebayor in the starting line-up. In
actuality, it was not too dissimilar to the usual 451 variant but with
key differences. Adebayor's inclusion gave us a more refined shape and
purpose. The link up play he provided for midfield to attack was
imperative to the flow and fluidity of our movement. It rejuvenated us.
Sure, with two forwards you can argue it's still a 442 even if one of
the forwards is deep-lying and not too dissimilar to the role Dempsey
has in the side. Adebayor sacrificing time up front, taking markers with
him and freeing Defoe's predatory instincts. Call it what you want on
paper, but out on the pitch it worked wonders.